UNITED STATES

OVERVIEW

A road trip across the United States is surely on most people’s bucket list. Wind in your hair, the long road stretching ahead of you – all evocative of channelling Thelma & Louise for a day or two (perhaps with a bit less crime). Of course, a red Mustang convertible would complete the picture. You must have the top down to feel the breeze on your face, cares blowing away with the wind.

What’s surprising is how much you can fit in, what landscapes you can see in the space of a few days on the road. Fly into Los Angeles and take on a 6 hour drive to Big Sur to see the dramatic ocean coastline, before to the Grand Canyon and finishing in Las Vegas. Or drive up via San Jose and end your trip in the stunning surroundings of San Francisco.

If you’re happy to stay put, then a long weekend in New York ticks every box. Shopping on Fifth Avenue, feeling like a local in the West Village, pacing the streets like a true New-Yorker. This is a trip that requires energy for New York is not for the faint-hearted. Take your girlfriends, take your daughter, take your husband. There’s nothing about this city not to like.

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way

CURRENT FAVES

BIG SUR

Known to be one of the most romantic spots overlooking the Pacific, the Post Ranch Inn offers total seclusion (expect to see a few celebs here) who’ve retreated to the exceptional cooking of their famed Sierra Mar restaurant or a dip in their infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You can choose between their three heated pools so there’s plenty of options. With a fabulous, eco-friendly spa using their own local flora and fauna to create their products this is an experience you won’t forget.

SANTA MONICA

Set on the warm sands of Santa Monica beach, every inch of this elegant cottage retreat is designed to help guests unwind. Dine with ocean views at One Pico or the more relaxed Coast Beach Café & Bar. With a large outdoor terrace pool and fitness centre, full service spa and a firm favourite for family trips, this is one of the best hotels in Santa Monica.

NEW ORLEANS

This modern boutique hotel seems out of place in old-fashioned New Orleans but with its contemporary, modern style and 18 studio loft style apartments it’s a great alternative to the New Orleans classics. Boasting full length windows and huge ‘spoon’ bathtubs, a mere 6 minute walk from Bourbon Street, close to the French Quarter.

NEW YORK

Recently awarded the ‘Local Hotel Hero’ at Mr & Mrs Smith’s 2016 Hotel Awards, 11 Howard combines modern Danish design with sleek lounge spaces, a French restaurant and an in-demand bar. This iconic New York building was once a post office. It has now been transformed with its swirling blue mural covering the entire side of the building. The hotel has over 200 bedrooms but you won’t notice. The hotel has been artfully designed to feel like a home-away-from home. The stylish co-working space in the Library doubles as the perfect setting for a cheeky nightcap. In the bar, grab seats by the arched window for people watching. Cosy up on gorgeous armchairs for breakfast in the Library. The mod-French restaurant Le Coucou is spectacular and the Blond bar transforms into a nightclub after 9pm.

The bar and restaurant of Sixty Soho are reason alone to stay here. The front entrance of this contemporary boutique hotel in Soho positively glows. With its seasonal rooftop bar Above Sixty Soho, Sixty Soho has become the talk of the town. With an enviable location you have shopper’s paradise on your doorstep. Additionally, the hotel boasts recently renovated rooms, a fitness centre, an Italian restaurant and Gordon Bar located in the hotel’s lobby. Add to that the huge beds and fantastic staff, this is a great base for when you’re in New York City.